Lesson 1Compatibility and galvanic corrosion: avoiding dissimilar metals and recommended separation methodsThis section explains compatibility and galvanic corrosion in metal roofs. It shows how to avoid harmful metal pairings, select safe fasteners, and use separation layers, drainage, and detailing to protect zinc and zinc-coated steel components.
Galvanic series and risk rankingProblematic metal combinationsNonmetallic separation layersFastener and accessory selectionDetailing to keep joints well drainedLesson 2Fasteners and clip systems: concealed clips, exposed screws, recommended materials and corrosion considerationsThis section covers fasteners and clip systems for metal roofing. It explains concealed clips, exposed screws, material selection, pull-out resistance, and corrosion risks, with guidance on spacing, torque, and sealing washers for zinc roofs.
Concealed clip types and layoutExposed screw selection and sizingStainless vs coated carbon steelFastener spacing and edge distancesAvoiding overdriving and oil canningLesson 3Roof deck and substrate requirements: steel purlins, timber battens, sheathing compatibilityThis section explains how roof decks and substrates must support metal roofing. It covers steel purlins, timber battens, and sheathing, focusing on spacing, stiffness, fixings, and compatibility with zinc and zinc-coated steel panels.
Minimum deck slopes for metal roofingSteel purlin sizing and spacing rulesTimber batten dimensions and fixingSheathing types and fastener pull-outSubstrate flatness and tolerance checksLesson 4Standing seam vs corrugated vs ribbed profiles: water tightness and thermal movementThis section compares standing seam, corrugated, and ribbed profiles. It examines water tightness, wind resistance, and thermal movement, helping you choose profiles, seam heights, and fixings suited to slope, exposure, and zinc materials.
Profile selection by roof slopeStanding seam height and lock typesCorrugated and ribbed span limitsWater channeling and side lap designThermal movement in long panelsLesson 5Accessory materials: flashings, ridge caps, eaves trims, sealants compatible with zinc/zinc-coated steelThis section details accessory materials that complete metal roofs. It covers flashings, ridge caps, eaves trims, and sealants, emphasizing watertight design, thermal movement, and chemical compatibility with zinc and zinc-coated steel.
Types of flashings for zinc roofsDesigning ridge and hip capsEaves trims and drip edge detailingSealant types safe for zinc surfacesThermal movement joints in accessoriesLesson 6Comparison of zinc vs zinc-coated steel: corrosion resistance, patina formation, lifespanThis section compares zinc and zinc-coated steel for roofing. It examines corrosion resistance, patina formation, stiffness, cost, and lifespan, helping you select the right metal for climate, detailing, and maintenance expectations.
Base metal composition differencesPatina formation stages on zincCorrosion behavior in marine zonesCost, weight, and stiffness trade-offsTypical lifespan and warrantiesLesson 7Material properties: thickness (mm/gauge), coating weights, and expected durabilityThis section reviews key material properties for metal roofing. It covers thickness in millimeters and gauge, coating weights, hardness, and expected durability, linking these factors to spanning capacity, dent resistance, and service life.
Common zinc and steel thicknessesGauge systems and metric conversionCoating weight classes and labelsMechanical strength and span limitsService life expectations by climateLesson 8Insulation and ventilation strategy: types of insulation (rigid, mineral wool), ventilation gaps and placementThis section explains insulation and ventilation strategies under metal roofs. It covers rigid boards, mineral wool, ventilation gaps, and vent placement to control condensation, improve comfort, and protect zinc and zinc-coated steel systems.
Choosing rigid vs mineral woolWarm roof vs cold roof build-upsVentilation gap sizing and layoutEave and ridge vent positioningCondensation risk assessment basicsLesson 9Typical panel widths, lengths, and recommended overlaps for zinc and galvanized steelThis section defines typical panel widths, lengths, and overlaps for zinc and galvanized steel. It addresses coil widths, expansion limits, side and end laps, and handling constraints to ensure watertight, economical, and stable installations.
Standard coil and panel widthsMaximum practical panel lengthsSide lap geometry and sealant useEnd lap lengths and staggeringTransport and site handling limitsLesson 10Underlayment options: breathable membranes, vapor barriers, and synthetic underlays for temperate climatesThis section presents underlayment options for metal roofs in temperate climates. It compares breathable membranes, vapor barriers, and synthetic underlays, explaining placement, lapping, and integration with flashings to manage moisture safely.
Breathable membrane functionsVapor barrier placement rulesSynthetic underlay performanceUnderlay laps, tapes, and sealingIntegrating underlay with flashings
